The First Amendment, indeed all of our Bill of Rights, constrains only government, such as “The Congress shall make no laws .…”

The Supreme Court in a narrowly applied decision said the government cannot impose its will on a private organization.

We should all celebrate the court constraining government in the Hobby Lobby decision.

Robert S. Terjesen, Brunswick, Ga.

CROWD AT RAP CONCERT

Refreshingly polite

My concert days ended with Led Zeppelin and Molly Hatchet.

But I did find myself at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in a crowd of excited young people, all singing along with Louisiana rapper Lil Boosie and holding up smart phones and iPads as opposed to the lighters from the good old days.

And I observed other, more important things about these kids and young adults.

They were all polite, conscientious and respectful of each other, uttering such adult phrases as “Pardon me,” “Please excuse me” and “Thank you!”

Their parents would have been proud.

We expend plenty of energy when our kids act in such a way that puts themselves and others in danger.

When they behave badly, it often makes front page news and causes great community shame.

But almost nothing is ever said about their exemplary behavior even when they are out having an uproariously good time.

Even when the old folks aren’t watching (or so they think).

So I’ll say it.

You can be very proud of our youth in Jacksonville and the way that their parents have raised them.

I am.

Dorie Sparkman, Jacksonville

MOVIE SAFETY AND SOCCER

A few insights

In rebuttal to the “Stars are Safer” article, I am a veteran of Hollywood sets.

It is easy to get close to actors simply by applying to be an extra. Security is often lax on movie shoots, even on expensive productions. Police are preoccupied with maintaining physical barriers for set boundaries, not checking out individuals with badges. There are also several websites that reveal the whereabouts of stars.

Regarding soccer, I agree with the criticisms of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. And I am a soccer fan. Using fewer players is the most simple and easily adaptable way to increase scoring.

Dave Stang, Jacksonville

MAYOR’S BUDGET

Questioning priorities

The mayor said his budget would have about $14 million in excess because of taxes levied last year, and now the City Council will debate where to spend it.

Remember when we passed the Better Jacksonville Plan because most taxpayers were looking for road improvements?

We ended up with lots of buildings downtown but too little roadwork.

We pay a six-cent tax on gas to improve roads as well. But most of that is used for JTA’s buses.

We raised the property taxes last year and are considering yet again another property tax hike this year because we have a pension deficit problem.

Before we start funding every good cause that wants city support, how about we take care of the problems we intended to fix with our tax hikes and start paying off the debt?

If someone wants to contribute to charity, let them. But our tax dollars should take care of roads, safety, police, fire and infrastructure.

Once those areas are solvent, let’s look at some tax cuts for a change.

This Week's Circulars

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The news reveals daily exploding bombs of sexual harassment claims made against the most prominent figures in U.S. government, heads of giant media companies and popular television and movie personalities.

My favorite part of the end of the year is reflecting on all the ways the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens helped serve and educate our community, furthering our vision of inspiring discovery and appreciation of the Earth’s wildlife.